HC Deb 28 March 1979 vol 965 cc448-9
11. Mr. Grocott

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is his latest estimate of the likely completion date of the Tamworth section of the M42.

Mr. Horam

1983.

Mr. Grocott

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Will he acknowledge the tremendous contribution that Tamworth has made to the housing of people in the West Midlands area? Is he aware that the traffic problems in the town, which he has acknowledged in the past, are a constant source of embarrassment, especially to Labour councillors who built the town in the past, and that it is his responsibility to put them right? Can he give a specific date when the public inquiry will be held, and will it be held in Tamworth?

Mr. Horam

I am aware of the great effort that Tamworth has made to house people, with very little support from national Government. I think that the inquiry should be held in the autumn of this year and, buildings permitting, we shall make arrangements for a session to be held in Tamworth.